Photography: Getty
Leather is a beautiful choice if you’re after aesthetic, durable, and timeless furniture for the home. Whether it’s a couch, an armchair, accessories, or furniture coverings, leather creates a cosy atmosphere, making any space inviting and comfortable. But leather needs to be looked after correctly to ensure it lasts, and not many people know how to properly clean leather.
We asked furniture-cleaning experts for their tips on giving leather a long, lustrous life.
How to clean leather safely
1. Consider your options
Before you get started, you need to decide if it’s okay to clean yourself, or if you should get an expert to do the job for you.
“Most leather pieces today are protected, which makes them pretty simple to clean yourself,” says Jeff Cross, senior editor of Cleanfax.
If you’re not sure whether your leather protection is going strong or not, there’s a simple test.
“In an inconspicuous spot, lightly scratch the leather with your fingernail. If it doesn’t leave a mark, clean away. If it does, hire a leather-cleaning expert to do it for you.”
2. The bimonthly clean
To prevent any damaged leather, you should dust it regularly, as you do with wooden furniture.
“Use a microfibre cloth that’s just barely dampened with water,” Jeff said. “Vacuum the cushions with a stiff-bristle upholstery brush, and break out the crevice tool for corners and other hard-to-reach areas.”
3. The biannual clean
Twice a year, incorporate this simple but effective step into your cleaning routine.
“Clean and condition your leather furniture with saddle soap, or another leather cleaner-conditioner, to prevent cracking and keep it looking better, longer.”
(Always check with the leather furniture manufacturer before applying any product.)
4. DIY condition and shine
Leslie Reichert, aka The Cleaning Coach, shared this homemade leather-conditioning recipe.
Mix ½ cup olive oil, ¼ cup brewed tea, and ¼ cup white vinegar in a spray bottle. Lightly spritz leather, let sit for 5 minutes, then wipe dry.
Ron Holt, CEO of Two Maids & a Mop, recommends this simple leather shine-promoting solution.
Apply a few drops of olive oil to a dry microfiber cloth, and rub into leather with a circular motion.
5. The spot clean
“Deal with spills immediately to prevent discoloration,” said MyClean COO Kenny Schultz. If you catch spots and spills right away, blotting them with a clean, dry microfiber cloth may be treatment enough.
Here are some more options for cleaning leather’s more set-in stains. Always test in an inconspicuous spot first.
- General: Blot with warm water and a clear, mild dish soap.
- Ink: Blot with a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol. Apply a leather cleaner-conditioner after removing the spot.
- Oil or grease: Sprinkle with baking soda or cornstarch. Let it sit overnight, then wipe or vacuum off. If this doesn’t work, try rubbing alcohol. Apply a leather cleaner-conditioner after removing the spot.
6. The Deep Clean
“Even if you know how to clean leather furniture yourself, it doesn’t hurt to have a pro do a thorough job every couple of years,” said Craig Jasper, Master Textile Cleaner and IICRC instructor.
“Professionals have special leather protectors that can greatly extend the life and beauty of the piece,” he says.
